Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1865

Publication Date

:

1865

Average_duration

:

5:01

César Franck's 'Quare fremuerunt gentes, M. 67' is a sacred choral work composed in 1884. It premiered on March 22, 1885, at the Church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, France. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," begins with a powerful and dramatic choral entrance. The text, taken from Psalm 2, speaks of the nations raging against God and his anointed one. Franck's music reflects this sense of conflict and turmoil, with dissonant harmonies and driving rhythms. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quieter section, marked by a solo soprano voice singing the words "Ego autem constitutus sum rex ab eo." The movement ends with a return to the opening material, but with a sense of resolution and triumph. The second movement, marked "Andante quasi lento," is a contrast to the first. The text, taken from Psalm 3, speaks of the psalmist's trust in God despite his enemies. Franck's music is serene and contemplative, with lush harmonies and a gentle, flowing melody. The movement features a solo tenor voice singing the words "Exsurge, Domine, salvum me fac, Deus meus," which are repeated by the choir. The movement ends quietly, with a sense of peace and assurance. The third movement, marked "Allegro," returns to the conflict and drama of the first. The text, taken from Psalm 83, speaks of the psalmist's lament over the destruction of the temple and the desolation of Jerusalem. Franck's music is once again full of dissonance and rhythmic energy, with the choir singing in a declamatory style. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quieter section, marked by a solo alto voice singing the words "Deus, quis similis erit tibi?" The movement ends with a return to the opening material, but with a sense of resignation and acceptance. Overall, 'Quare fremuerunt gentes' is a powerful and dramatic work that showcases Franck's skill as a composer of sacred music. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and rhythmic energy, as well as its contrast between the turbulent first and third movements and the serene second movement.

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